Electrically actuated door holder and release

ABSTRACT

An electrically actuated door holder and release for the multipoint holding of a pivoted door throughout a range of door open angles, and for the release of a held door either electrically or in response to manual override. The door holder comprises a channel which pivotally supports through linkages an elongated hold-open bar. An elongated friction strip is carried by the hold-open bar. The hold-open bar is normally held in hold-open position under tension by an armature spring coupled to the holdopen bar. The channel is formed with a slot which guides a slide block which moves linearly along the length of the hold-open bar in response to changes in the angle of door opening. The slide block carries a pivotally supported hold-open cam which engages the friction strip to effect door hold open in the event the armature linkage is further placed under tension by energization of an electromagnet. Upon deenergization of the electromagnet, or alternatively upon the application of a manual override door closing force, the hold-open bar is pivoted away from the slide block and the friction strip engaging cam and the door is released.

[ Dec. 16, 1975 ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED DOOR HOLDER AND RELEASE Richard E.DHooge, Wood Dale, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Rixson-Firemark, lnc., Franklin Park, I11.

221 Filed: Aug. 1, 1974 21 Appl.No.:493,685

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 292/275 [51] Int. Cl. E05C 17/04 [58] Field of Search292/263, 273, 275, 278, 292/305, 306; 16/48.5, 49, 65, 70, 82; 49/1 [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 749,318 1/1904 Morris 292/305 X1,102,859 7/1914 Blackwell 1 292/273 1,425,271 8/1922 Mukden 16/491,711,282 4/1929 Orr 292/275 2,108,891 2/1938 Johnson 292/275 2,268,977l/l942 Westrope 292/275 X 3,164,404 1/1965 Arnold 292/273 3,415,56212/1968 Peterson.. l6/48.5 X 3,630,560 12/1971 Atkins 16/49 X 3,648,3263/1972 Gaysowski 14/485 3,683,450 8/1972 Morrison et al. 292/275 X3,729,770 5/1973 Lasier l6/48.5 3,796,451 3/1974 Schultz 292/263 FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 524,406 4/1931 Germany 292/275 PrimaryExaminer-Roy D. Frazier Assistant ExaminerThomas J. Holko [57] ABSTRACTAn electrically actuated door holder and release for the multi-pointholding of a pivoted door throughout a range of door open angles, andfor the release of a held door either electrically or in response tomanual override. The door holder comprises a channel which pivotallysupports through linkages an elongated holdopen bar. An elongatedfriction strip is carried by the hold-open bar. The hold-open bar isnormally held in hold-open position under tension by an armature springcoupled to the hold-open bar. The channel is formed with a slot whichguides a slide block which moves linearly along the length of thehold-open bar in response to changes in the angle of door opening. Theslide block carries a pivotally supported holdopen cam which engages thefriction strip to effect door hold open in the event the armaturelinkage is further placed under tension by energization of anelectromagnet. Upon deenergization of the electromagnet, oralternatively upon the application of a manual override door closingforce, the hold-open bar is pivoted away from the slide block and thefriction strip engaging cam and the door is released.

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ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED DOOR HOLDER AND RELEASE FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to an electrically actuated door holder andrelease for the multi-point holding of a pivoted door throughout a rangeof door open angles. The device also provides for the release of a helddoor either electrically or in response to manual override.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The concept of smoke-actuated door controlhas become a proven technique, required today by most of the nationsmajor model building codes. These codes specify that the control must beapplicable to doors which may be left open occasionally or at all times;because in many instances, it is desirable to hold a door in an openposition to permit adequate air flow or free flow of traffic.

The prior art is prolific in door hold-open devices. Many of thesedevices include an electrically actuated control which releases thehold-open mechanism. Devices of this type are shown, or example, in US.Pat. Nos. 3,164,404; 3,415,562; 3,729,770 and 3,796,451.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates particularly to themeans for effecting door hold open at any desired angle throughout aspecified range and at the same time providing for release of the dooreither electrically or by manual override. The principal structure forattaining the foregoing object is briefly set forth in the Abstract.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that all of the structuralfeatures for attaining the objects of this invention may be readilyunderstood, reference is herein made to the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the application of the door holderand release of this invention to a single door;

FIG. 2. is a view showing the application of the door holder and releaseto each of a pair of corridor doors;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the standard arm of the doorholder and release is coupled to a conventional door supported closer;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the door holder and release with theholder cover removed;

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along ling 5-5 of FIG. 4 and showing thearmature link assembly;

FIG. 6 [drawing sheet 4] is a section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.4 and showing the inside linkage assembly for the hold-open bar;

FIG. 7 [drawing sheet 4] is a section view taken along line 7 7 of FIG.4 and showing the frictional engagement of the hold-open bar by thehold-open cam;

FIG. 8 [drawing sheet 2] is a section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.4 and showing a bottom view of the internal door holder and releasemechanism in a door closed position with the electromagnet energized;

FIG. 9 [drawing sheet 2] is a view related to that of FIG. 8 with thedoor being opened:

FIG. 10 [drawing sheet 2] is a view related to that of FIG. 9 with thedoor in bold open:

FIG. 11 [drawing sheet 3] is a view related to that of FIG. 10 with thedoor in the initial stage of manual override release;

FIG. 12 [drawing sheet 3] is a view related to that of FIG. 11 with thedoor closing in response to release effected by manual override;

FIG. 13 [drawing sheet 3] is a view related to that of FIG. 11 with thedoor in the initial stage of electrical release;

FIG. 14 [drawing sheet 4] is a view related to that of FIG. 13 with thedoor closed in response to release effected by deenergization of theelectromagnet;

FIG. 15 [drawing sheet 5] is an exploded view of the door holder andrelease; and

FIG. 16 [drawing sheet 4] is an electrical circuit incorporating thedoor holder and release as part of a smoke actuated door control system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Brieflydescribed, the present invention contemplates a novel door holder andrelease for the multi-point holding of a pivoted door throughout a rangeof specified door opening angles. Additionally, the device permits therelease of a hold door either electrically or in response to a manualoverriding force applied to a controlled door.

The door holder and release mechanism is contained within a housingwhich is preferably surface mounted upon a door frame header. An armcouples the door holder and release to a door supported pivot pin, oralternatively to an integral closer which is surface mounted upon thecontrolled door.

An elongated hold-open bar is pivotally supported relative a channel bya plurality of linkages. An elongated friction strip is carried by thehold-open bar.

The hold-open bar is normally held in hold-open position under thetension generated by an armature spring which biases an armature linkagecoupled to the hold-open bar. The channel is formed with an elongatedslot having adjacent edges which guide a plastic slide block which moveslinearly along the length of the hold-open bar in response to changes inthe angle of door opening.

The slide block carries a pivotally supported holeopen cam which engagesthe friction strip to effect door hold-open in the event the armaturelinkage is further placed under tension by energization of anelectromagnet.

On deenergization of the electromagnet, or alternatively upon theapplication of a manual override door closing force to a controlleddoor, the hold-open bar and its friction strip are pivoted away from theslide block and the friction strip engaging cam and the door is thusreleased.

In the event an external door closer is coupled to the door, the releaseoperation will also effect automatic door closing.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the electrically actuated door holder andrelease 1 of this invention is shown typically applied to a flush door 2which is supported by a plurality of butt hinges 3 (only one of which isshown) upon a conventional metal door frame 4.

The internal mechanism of holder-release 1 is contained within anelongated housing cover 5. A pivot pin 6 is surface mounted to the upperedge of door 2, and standard arm 7 couples pivot pin 6 to the internalmechanism of holder-release 1.

Accordingly, the opening of door 2 causes the right end of standard arm7 to reciprocate within slot 8. This reciprocation moves responsivelythe slide block mech- 3 anism hereafter described in the specification.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, door holderrelease 1 merelyaccomplishes a hold-open and release function. In the event automaticclosing is required, a surface mounted closer may be substituted forpivot pin 6. Alternatively, other means for closing door 2 may beprovided as is well known in the art.

FIG. 2 shows the application of holder-release 1 of this invention tocontrol a pair of corridor doors. In particular, holder-release l isadapted to control corridor door 2, and companion holder-release 1 isadapted to control adjacent corridor door 2'. In view of the fact thatthe holder-release of this invention is applicable to life safetycontrol systems now generally required throughout the United States, apair of electrically controlled holder-releases l, 1 as shown in FIG. 2may be advantageously incorporated in smoke and fire detection systemsfor such institutions as hospitals and schools.

FIG. 3 shows the application of holder-release l to a door incorporatinga surface mounted closer 9. Accordingly, the installation of FIG. 3 isnot only capable of performing a door hold-release function, but inaddition by connecting the left end of standard arm 7 to surface mountedcloser 9, a'companion closing function can be attained in response todoor release.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the principal elements of holder-release 1comprise elongated hold-open bar 10 which is pivotally supportedrelative metallic channel 11 by inside hold-open bar linkage assembly 12and outside hold-open bar linkage assembly 13.

Armature linkage assembly 14 is coupled to inside bar linkage assembly12 by armature spring 15.

Armature linkage assembly 14 is normally biased by armature linkagereturn spring 16 so that armature plate 17 contacts the right pole ofelectromagnet l8.

Hold-open bar 10 is formed with a recess 19, which recess as hereafterdescribed retains hold-open cam 20 in the door closed position of FIG.8.

Hold-open cam 20 is a part of slide block assembly 21. Slide blockassembly 21 reciprocates within the guide provided by channel slot 22 sothat cam 20 travels along a linear path which is adjacent a urethanefriction contact strip 23 affixed to a vertical surface of hold-open bar10. Slide block drive post 24 performs the function of reciprocatingslide block assembly 21 within the path formed by channel slot 22.Additionally, drive post 24 serves as a pivot for hold-open cam Cam biasspring 25 envelopes the shaft of drive post 24. Cam pins 26 and 27restrain the terminal ends of cam spring 25 so as to normally bias cam20 in the position shown in FIG. 8.

In the event that electromagnet 18 is energized, thereby reinforcing thearmature linkage assembly 14 tension generated by return spring 16, anddoor 2 is also opened as is shown in FIG. 9, standard arm 7 will beangularly rotated from the position shown in FIG. 8 to that of FIG. 9,thereby causing slide block assembly 21 to move leftwardly causing arotation of hold-open cam 20. With this rotation of cam 20, the frictionengaging teeth of the cam contact an adjacent portion of friction strip23. When door 2 has been manually placed at the desired door hold-openposition, cam 20 will engage friction strip 23 as is shown in FIG. 10,thereby holding the door in holdopen.

In the event that door 2 is manually closed by an overriding manualforce, cam 20 will be rotated in the 4 counterclockwise direction as isshown in FIG. 11. With this rotation, a force is applied to hold-openbar 10 so as to elongate armature spring 15, thereby pivoting thelinkage assemblies 12 and 13 so as to move hold-open bar 10 away fromslide block assembly 21.

It should be noted as shown in FIG. 11, upon the initiation of themanual release of door 2, hold-open cam 20 is vertically disposed in thesame attitude as the attitude assumed by the cam when the door is closed(FIG. 8).

As door 2 is in the closing phase, cam 20 is rotated counter-clockwisein the attitude shown in FIG. 12. Accordingly, hold-open bar 10 is movedcloser to slide block assembly 21 somewhat. However, fixed holdingengagement is not maintained between friction strip 23 and the teeth ofcam 20. Accordingly, door 2 ultimately closes with the internalcomponents assuming the disposition shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 13 electromagnet 18 has been deenergized either in response to aswitch opening function, or in the event that the electromagnet is partof a fire and smoke detection system in response to the detection of theproducts of combustion. Accordingly, armature linkage 14 pivotsclockwise in response to the release of armature 17 from the right poleof electromagnet 18. With this operation, hold-open bar linkages 12 and13 are pivoted in a counterclockwise manner in view of the fact thatarmature spring 15 is no longer under tension. With this operation,hold-open bar 10 is moved away from slide block assembly 21, and the camreturn spring 25 rotates hold-open cam 20 in a clockwise direction. Withthis operation slide block 21 moves to the right as is shown in FIG. 13,until slide block assembly 21 assumes a disposition within recess 19 asis shown in FIG. 8.

Details of armature link assembly 14 are shown in FIG. 5. The entirelinkage 14 pivots about pivot pin 28. Pivot pin 28 is enveloped bybearing 29 which in turn supports and locates return spring 16. Retainerclips 30 and 31 fix pivot pin 28 with respect to frame sections 32 and33.

Armature links 34 and 35 pivot about bearing 29. The free end of links34 and 35 are joined together by coupling block 36. Retainer clips 37and 38 lock coupling block to armature links 34 and 35.

Spring support pin 39 is sandwiched between armature links 34 and 35.Retainer clips 40 and 41 locate armature spring 15 with respect tospring support pin 39. Armature adjusting screw 42 couples armatureplate 17 to coupling block 36.

As is shown in FIG. 14, the threaded shaft section of adjusting screw 42supports armature bias adjusting spring 43. In FIG. 14, screw 42 hasbeen partially withdrawn from the threaded bore within coupling block36. Accordingly, the tension in spring 43 has been reduced as comparedto the tension of the same spring with the screw 42 adjustment shown inFIGS. 8 through 13. This reduction in spring 43 tension effects a reduced or minimum hold-open poundate adjustment. Accordingly, manualoverride may be accomplished more easily.

FIG. 6 shows details of inside linkage assembly 12 for hold-open bar 10.Pivot pin 45 extends through the walls of channel 11 and is retainedwith respect to the channel by means of retainer clips 46 and 47.Bearing 48 is carried by pivot pin 45. Inside links 49 and 50 aresupported on bearing 48. Support pin 51 is carried by links 49 and 50.The central portion of support pin 51 5. is coupled to armature spring15. Retainer clips 52 and 53 locate armature spring 15 with respect tosupport pin 51. I i

As is shown in theexploded view of FIG. 15, inside links 49 and 50 alsocarry hold-open bar connector pin 54 and hold-open bar bearing 55. As isalso shown in the exploded view of FIG. 15, the other end of holdopenbar is pivoted relative channel 11 by outside links 56 and 57. Theselinks are coupled to hold-open bar 10 by pin 58 and bearing 59. Links 56and 57 are retained on pin 58 by retainer clips 60 and 61.

As is shown in FIGS. 7 and 15, slide block assembly 21 includes a slideblock 62 which is formed with a pair of holes 63 and 64 which receiveslide block drive post 24. The shaft of drive post 24 carries cam 20 andcam bias spring 25 within the rectangular opening 65 formed in the slideblock. Pivot pins 26 and 27 are lodged within holes 66 and 67 formed inslide block 62 so that the terminal ends of cam bias spring 25 will belimited as to movement by the pins. The lower end of slide block 62 isformed with a T-flange 68 which defines elongated grooves 69 and 70.T-flange 68 and its grooves 69 and 70 are matingly engaged by slot 22formed in channel 1 1 so that slide block 62 is guided by the channelslot.

The schematic circuit of FIG. 16 shows an electrical circuit connectingelectromagnet 18 to ionization chamber 71 to effect hold open andrelease of door 2 in a failsafe manner of operation. The detailedoperation of the circuitry of FIG. 16 is as follows.

Assuming ionization detector 71 is in proper operating condition andthat the ionization chamber 71 input appearing to terminals 72 and 73indicates an absence of a flame or smoke condition, door 2 will be heldin an open position in response to manual closing of switch 74; that is,the closing of switch 74 applies line voltage from terminals 75 and 76to amplifier A. The application of line voltage to amplifier A energizesthe amplifier output relay 77, thereby closing normally open contacts77a.

The closing of contacts 77a applies line voltage to the coil of powerrelay 78. With this occurrence, normally open contact 78a is closed,thereby applying line voltage to fullwave bridge rectifier 79 toenergize electromagnet 18 with a pulsating-direct-current voltage.

The energization of electromagnet l8 attracts armature plate 17. Withthis operation, armature linkage 14 places armature spring under tensionwhich in turn pivots hold-open bar 10 into a close engagement positionwith respect to slide block assembly 21, as previously outlined.

In the event that ionization detector 71 detects a smoke condition,electromagnet 77 will be deenergized, thereby releasing contact 77a.This in turn removes line voltage from electromagnet 78, thereby openingcontact 78a and thus deenergizing electromagnet 18. The deenergizationof electromagnet 18 releases armature linkage 14 in a mannerhereinbefore outlined with respect to FIG. 13, and accordingly, slideblock cam will be released relative hold-open bar 10. In the event adoor closer is connected to door 2, as is set forth with respect to FIG.3, door 2 will be automatically closed in response to the detection ofsmoke at ionization detector 71.

It should be understood that the above described structure is merelyillustrative of the principles of this invention, and that modificationscan be made without 6 departing from the scope of the invention as setforth in the claims.

What is claimed is: 1. An electrically actuated door holder for themultipoint holding of a pivoted door through a range of opening angles,comprising a holder element, an adjustable linkage of a generallyparallelogram configuration including an elongated hold-open bar and apair of links each individually coupling a different end of thehold-open bar to the holder element, hold-open bar engaging means movedlengthwise relative the holdopen bar in response to variations in dooropening angles to thereby engage the hold-open bar at any selectedlengthwise point corresponding to the desired angular door opening, andelectro-mechanical means including an electromagnet and an armaturecoupled to the parallelogram linkage and in which the energization ofthe electromagnet and the resulting armature action moves the hold-openbar into frictional engagement with the hold-open bar engaging means.

2. The combination of claim 1 in which the path of movement for thehold-open bar engaging means is linear, and in which the hold-open baris supported for pivotal movement by the adjustable linkage toward andaway from the linear path followed by the hold-open bar engaging meansso as to maintain a substantially parallel spacing between the linearpath followed by the hold-open bar engaging means and the hold-open bar.

3. The combination of claim 1 in which the holdopen bar engaging meansincludes a movable slide block, and a cam pivotally supported relativethe slide block to engage frictionally the hold-open bar and to effect ayieldable latch therewith.

4. The combination of claim 3 in which the holdopen bar includes anelongated cam engaging friction surface.

5. The combination of claim 2 in which the holdopen bar engaging meansincludes a slide block movable within the elongated opening of thechannel, and a cam pivotally supported relative the slide block toengage frictionally the hold-open bar and to effect a yieldable latchtherewith.

6. The combination of claim 5 in which a door arm is coupled to theslide block to move responsively the slide block within the elongatedopening.

7. The combination of claim 6 in which deenergization of the electricalactuated means enables the door arm to move freely the slide block inresponse to inadequate frictional engagement of the cam with respect tothe hold-open bar.

8. An electrically actuated door holder for the multipoint holding of adoor throughout a range of door opening angles, comprising a holderframe, an elongated hold-open bar adjustably supported by the frame, anelongated friction engaging means affixed to or an integral part of asurface of the elongated hold-open bar, hold-open bar engaging meansmovable lengthwise in a linear path relative the hold-open bar inresponse to variations in door opening angles, adjustable linkage meanscoupling the hold-open bar to the holder frame to provide a plurality ofgenerally parallel spaced positions between the hold-open bar and thelinear path followed by the hold-open bar engaging means, andelectromechanical means including an electromagnet and an armaturecoupled to the hold-open bar and in which energization of theelectromagnet and the resulting armature action moves the hold-open barinto a 8 engaging means to increase the spacing between the linear pathand the hold-open bar by moving the holdopen bar away from the linearpath thus effecting release of any door that is held in an openposition.

1. An electrically actuated door holder for the multi-point holding of apivoted door through a range of opening angles, comprising a holderelement, an adjustable linkage of a generally parallelogramconfiguration including an elongated hold-open bar and a pair of linkseach individually coupling a different end of the hold-open bar to theholder element, hold-open bar engaging means moved lengthwise relativethe hold-open bar in response to variations in door opening angles tothereby engage the hold-open bar at any selected lengthwise pointcorresponding to the desired angular door opening, andelectro-mechanical means including an electromagnet and an armaturecoupled to the parallelogram linkage and in which the energization ofthe electromagnet and the resulting armature action moves the hold-openbar into frictional engagement with the hold-open bar engaging means. 2.The combination of claim 1 in which the path of movement for thehold-open bar engaging means is linear, and in which the hold-open baris supported for pivotal movement by the adjustable linkage towArd andaway from the linear path followed by the hold-open bar engaging meansso as to maintain a substantially parallel spacing between the linearpath followed by the hold-open bar engaging means and the hold-open bar.3. The combination of claim 1 in which the hold-open bar engaging meansincludes a movable slide block, and a cam pivotally supported relativethe slide block to engage frictionally the hold-open bar and to effect ayieldable latch therewith.
 4. The combination of claim 3 in which thehold-open bar includes an elongated cam engaging friction surface. 5.The combination of claim 2 in which the hold-open bar engaging meansincludes a slide block movable within the elongated opening of thechannel, and a cam pivotally supported relative the slide block toengage frictionally the hold-open bar and to effect a yieldable latchtherewith.
 6. The combination of claim 5 in which a door arm is coupledto the slide block to move responsively the slide block within theelongated opening.
 7. The combination of claim 6 in which deenergizationof the electrical actuated means enables the door arm to move freely theslide block in response to inadequate frictional engagement of the camwith respect to the hold-open bar.
 8. An electrically actuated doorholder for the multi-point holding of a door throughout a range of dooropening angles, comprising a holder frame, an elongated hold-open baradjustably supported by the frame, an elongated friction engaging meansaffixed to or an integral part of a surface of the elongated hold-openbar, hold-open bar engaging means movable lengthwise in a linear pathrelative the hold-open bar in response to variations in door openingangles, adjustable linkage means coupling the hold-open bar to theholder frame to provide a plurality of generally parallel spacedpositions between the hold-open bar and the linear path followed by thehold-open bar engaging means, and electromechanical means including anelectromagnet and an armature coupled to the hold-open bar and in whichenergization of the electromagnet and the resulting armature actionmoves the hold-open bar into a closer generally parallel spacing withrespect to the linear path followed by the hold-open bar engaging means,thereby enabling the hold-open bar engaging means to frictionally engagethe hold-open bar and further in which the deenergization of theelectromagnet releases the armature enabling the hold-open bar engagingmeans to increase the spacing between the linear path and the hold-openbar by moving the hold-open bar away from the linear path thus effectingrelease of any door that is held in an open position.